Cuttack, Oct. 15: The presence of Cuttack-Choudwar MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal of the BJD at the victory procession of the winning candidate at Ravenshaw University campus allegedly led to a clash last evening.

Two Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) rival groups clashed at Ravenshaw University before the official announcement of the poll results at 6.30pm yesterday.

"I suspect the counting of votes was rigged. It is unfortunate that the local legislator had come with his supporters to the campus and we strongly oppose such interference by any political leader," said Swagat Meher, the defeated presidential candidate at Ravenshaw University.

His supporters said that they would shortly move the high court demanding a recount of the votes. Both the groups belonged to the BCJD and the winning candidate, Ramya Ranjan Behera, had the support of Biswal. The group belonging to the defeated candidate had taken exception to the MLA's presence.

Altercations led to scuffle and violence when the victory procession started. Biswal had to eventually leave the campus, an eyewitness said.

BCJD state vice-president Harishankar Rout claimed that their official candidate and supporters were first attacked near east hostel during the victory procession rally. "The local legislator had come to the campus after we were attacked," he said.

BCJD president Byomakesh Ray, who is also an MLA from Chandabali, said it was a clash between two groups of students. "The party has nothing to do with it. It's a police case," he told The Telegraph. Ray, however, claimed that Biswal had gone there to mediate between the two groups of students.

The Cuttack-Choudwar MLA could not be contacted for his comments.

"We are deeply hurt about the incident. The clash between the two groups was due to direct interference and involvement of political parties and their leaders," said a senior faculty member, who did not want to be named.

At least four motorcycles and some property on the campus was ransacked in the group clash. Though a formal police complaint is yet to be lodged by the varsity, three platoons of police have already been deployed on the campus to maintain law and order.

"We have informed the officials and other faculty members at the staff council meeting about yesterday's violence. We had conducted the polls in a peaceful manner, but peace was disturbed following the clash between two student groups after the announcement of results," said vice-chancellor P.C. Sarangi.